Prof. Francis Gatheri, Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs has adviced freshmen and women who joined the University recently to properly manage their time, leverage on University’s resources and maintain academic excellence. The DVC, who was speaking to the first years on the second day of the week-long orientation programme, explained that many students who join the University scored As in their high school examinations but usually fail to maintain a similar performance while at the University.

“Here we lecture; we do not teach. Some of you come from schools where you were monitored closely by your teachers but unfortunately, those days are gone.” said the Prof. Gatheri.

As such, he encouraged first-year students to make use of the available resources, such as the library, as well as lecturers, and attend classes religiously. In addition, he urged students to join professional bodies so that they become well-grounded in their careers of choice.   

Prof. Gatheri explained that poor time management led to idleness, which in turn leads to other vices such as crime, pregnancy, alcohol, and drug abuse. He also mentioned that the University had automated most of the services to make their student life easier; for example, in case they needed to defer, they could do it through their students’ portal and reinstate themselves whenever they were ready. Other resources that are available online are the library and class schedules.

“We train students for the real world, so ensure you acquaint yourselves with your courses early enough and understand their career paths so that when you get to your 4th year and you need to specialize, you are sure about what you would like to do,” stressed the DVC.

The DVC also encouraged the students to stretch their minds by taking part in co-curricular activities to enrich their academic lives. “We have partnerships with universities and organizations across the globe who can help you advance beyond the classroom. Currently, we have students in France teaching English; these students are not just French students, but they are students from different schools like engineering and hospitality, amongst others,” he said.

The DVC recognized the support by parents of the first-year students whom he urged to provide adequate resources for learning to their children, including laptops as well as adequate pocket money for food and other expenses so that they are able to learn comfortably.

“We have two ways of teaching: face-to-face, which is used for practical training sessions, and blended learning, where some courses are offered through online platforms and at times through face-to-face interactions,” said Prof. Gatheri.

Away from class, he stressed the need for the students to be good ambassadors of the University by ensuring that they were always truthful and maintained high integrity.

“Learn your environment; remember, this is a city that has both good and bad activities. Our student leaders are available to help you navigate both the city life as well as activities within the University.

Prof. Gatheri concluded by wishing the students well in their academic journey.